Learn about PA online casinos

Pennsylvania's gambling expansion law set the stage for the state to be a premier gambling destination. Now, the ball is rolling. Pennsylvania sports betting is underway and online gambling will soon follow suit. The first sportsbook launched at Hollywood Casino on Nov. 17, with Rivers and SugarHouse following on Dec. 15 and Jan. 10. The Stadium Park area even got a book, as South Philadelphia Turf Club launched Jan. 17.
In addition to online gambling and wagering, Pennsylvania also launched online lottery, Keno, regulated daily fantasy sports, satellite casinos, and virtual sports since the bill became law. In the past year, gambling expansion has generated over $330 million in revenue for the state. Once sportsbooks and online casinos launch, expect that number to cross the half-billion mark in short order. Subscribe to our newsletter

PA Online Casino News for January 2019

The holidays are over, which means the PA Gaming Control Board (PGCB) is back in action. The question is what gets top priority in the long line of products ready to launch. There are already four retail sportsbooks up and running. There are five more in the works, but the real focus is on PA sports betting apps.

There are also several properties that are basically ready to launch online casino products. All the in-state applicants are conditionally approved, but there is no word on launch dates yet. MGM and Golden Nugget also got the all-clear to apply for PA iGaming. With sports betting the priority of the moment, it might be Q2 before an online casino gets off the ground.

Parx Sportsbook won't open until January 2019, but the PA casino is already running promos for people to win money to use on bets.

When will online casinos and spots betting happen?

Online casinos coming Q1 of 2019

When it comes to online casinos, nailing down an exact launch date is tough, but it will be sometime in the first quarter of 2019. So far, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has approved ten PA casinos for their interactive gaming licenses.

Expect Harrah’s and SugarHouse to be at the forefront of online casino launch, hopefully as early as February or March 2019.

PA sports betting launched in November 2018

When it comes to sports betting, the news is much brighter. Perhaps seeing how much New Jersey, Mississippi, and other new markets with sports betting are raking in, sports betting is on track to beat online casinos to the Keystone State.

It initially looked as though Parx Casino would be the first to market, but Hollywood Casino at Penn National beat everyone. Its sportsbook, run by William Hill, officially launched on Saturday, Nov. 17.

Next up were Rivers Casino and SugarHouse Casino, both of which launched on Dec. 13. Parx launched on Jan. 10 followed by South Philadelphia Turf Club on Jan. 17.

What does the PA online casino market look like?

While sports betting is still something only seven of the 13 licensed casinos are taking part in, most everyone is getting involved in the PA online casino industry in one way or another. In fact, there are also several outside companies taking part.

Here is a look at all the companies involved in online casinos, who their partners are, and where they are in the process:

Two other casinos opted for online table games and slots licenses, but will not offer online poker. Those properties are Presque Isle Downs and the forthcoming Stadium Casino project.

That leaves three casinos sitting out for now. Rivers Casino initially applied, but rescinded its application. Lady Luck Nemacolin and The Meadows are not taking part, likely deferring to their sister properties of Presque Isle and Hollywood Casino respectively.

MGM and Golden Nugget hoping to get in the game too

With 11 leftover interactive licenses, PGCB opened up the application to qualified gaming entities (QGE) from outside of Pennsylvania.

Rather than partner with an in-state casino, MGM Resorts and Golden Nugget Atlantic City opted to apply. MGM is seeking all three categories of license. Golden Nugget, on the other hand, will not seek an online poker license.

In January, PGCB approved both as QGEs. Next up for the companies is to file petitions for interactive gaming licenses in the categories each are seeking.

PA online lottery is already an online gambling option

While casino lovers of PA count the days until launch, there is one way to pass the time. As part of the gambling expansion law, the state legalized online lottery. Pennsylvania’s iLottery launched in May of 2017 with a dozen or so online instant games.

These online instant games are like a scratch-off ticket you would buy at the store, but more interactive. Online instants often include bonus games in addition to the scratch-off component, allowing you to multiply your winnings on each ticket.

As part of the rollout, the PA Lottery also introduced a revamped PA Lottery mobile app. While you cannot purchase lottery draw tickets online just yet, you can use the app to play instant games, check winning numbers, and scan your draw tickets to find out if you have a winner.